About

Situated in the heart of New Plymouth, the TSB Festival of Lights transforms the beautiful botanic setting of Pukekura Park into a wonderland of light for seven weeks.

The team is currently hard at work planning the entertainment and lights for the 2019/2020 season. You can check back here later in the year for important festival information.

Check out our gallery for a taste of what to expect at the festival.

Volunteer at the festival

Our volunteers are the face of the festival and provide fun and friendly information points and guidance to people within the park over the TSB Festival of Lights season.

Why volunteer at the festival?

• Give something back to your community
• Share the experience of volunteering with a friend or family – do it together! Or meet new people and make friends
• Get an exclusive sneak peak of the Festival before it officially starts
• Receive an official t-shirt and an invite to an exclusive post festival volunteers event

If you're interested in volunteering, get in touch.

Where can I park?
Between 6pm and 7am the following day, main gate access to the Bellringer Pavilion car park/festival hub is restricted to pedestrian access only. Parking is available at TSB Stadium carpark, located off Rogan Street, at the Rogan and Victoria Street car parks and surrounding streets. Accessible/limited mobility car parking is located along Fillis Street.

What time do the lights come on?
The lights will be on every night from 8.30pm until 11pm and the 2019/2020 dates are yet to be announced. 

What happens if I lose my children?
Although we take every safety precaution in the organisation of events, as a parent or caregiver, you are responsible for supervising your children.  We recommend you write your cell phone number on their arm and create an agreed meeting point within your group in case someone does get lost. 

Can I ride my bike through the park?
No, Pukekura Park is a pedestrian-friendly park which gets very busy during the Festival, so please leave your bikes at home. The riding of bikes is prohibited within Pukekura Park at all times.

Can I bring my dog?
No, for the comfort of all users, please leave your pets at home. There is a dog ban from 7.00pm - midnight during the festival.

Can I bring a picnic and wine?
Yes, you can bring your picnic and wine to enjoy on the Hatchery Lawn and the Fred Parker Lawn during the performances.  Please note that a park-wide liquor ban is in place for all other areas of Pukekura Park between 7pm and 7am.

Are there places to buy food?
Yes, Teahouse on the Lake is open during the festival and new to the festival for 2018/2019 was Light Bites, a range of food trucks that will be serving food on selected evenings.

Do the lights ever get cancelled in wet weather?
No, the lights run as scheduled throughout the festival.

How can I share my feedback?
We strive to create a festival that everyone loves, so your feedback is always welcome. Fill out our survey at the festival hub within the park  to share your thoughts.

What do I do with lost and found items?

If you have lost an item at the park, please get in touch with the NPDC contact centre. 06 759 6060 or enquiries@npdc.govt.nz.

If you find something, please take it to the festival hub between 8pm - 10.30pm or hand it in to security.